I was disappointed this morning when I ran outside to pick up my New York Times and there was no blue bag on my driveway. I must need to reorder my subscription -- no big deal.
Towns and counties are struggling with the increase of taxes on already burdened residents in order to keep essential services. The Garden State has claimed similar stresses and its leaders have even proposed some painful cuts and measures to "fix" Jersey's financial situation.
Monmouth County taxpayers will most likely hear about increases in the school taxes this year.
Buy a Newspaper Day is an effort to help boost the newspaper industry, which, in case you are living under a rock, is dieing.
State Superior Court Judge Bette E. Uhrmacher is slated to make a decision today regarding former Keansburg Superintendent Barbara Trzeszkowski's retirement package. This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately, and I think it is important to share some information.
The National Ocean and Atmospheric Association sent out an extensive update on the dolphin situation near Highlands. There has been some confusion among residents and even news reporters as to the numbers of the dolphins. I've posted the message below.
Newsday.com is reporting that an advisory panel to Gov. Jon Corzine is considering the recommendation of "driver privilege cards" and in-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants.
Rob Tornoe of PolitickerNJ just posted this cartoon and it is definitely worth a look. Click the headline to check it out. [...] 
The APP is reporting that Marlboro Township is looking at some reductions in staffing this new year.
The Asbury Park Press is reporting that the Paradise Park mobile home owners were favored in a recent appellate court decision.
The holidays are always a busy time for people, so sorry but I have been getting things done. I just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a peaceful holiday season. I'll post about the reorganization meetings slated for next week soon.' [...] 
So I heard back from the NOAA spokeswoman, and she said NOAA suggests a 500 meter distance between the dolphins and the construction work. That is a lot further than the 500-foot number that was floating around.
This Full House has taken the call to Blog Out Hunger one step further. She has managed to get Stop&Shop to donate $1 for every comment on her post about the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties. They will make this contribution for up to 300 [...] 
The Asbury Park Press is reporting that the Marlboro Township Committee will be voting on its affordable housing plan at its meeting tonight, at 8 p.m., at Town Hall.
As Bayshore residents run out for that last minute gift for the holidays, some may be having second thoughts about purchasing of gift cards.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is hosting the first of a series of seminars about dolphins tonight via conference call. It will be open to the public as well as the press.
The Matawan Borough Council is holding its meeting of the year tonight at 7:30 at 201 Broad St.
Nation, do you like clean water, seas and skies? Me too.
The government has bailed out banks, at least once, and Detroit might not walk away empty handed, but perhaps one of the most important banks in America is desperate: the food banks.
Highlands residents can expect to see a live donkey, llama and horse in a next week.
My football picks for the week. Ok, so I might not be winning the office pool, but I think I am holding my own. Here it goes.
Atlantic Highlands expects its South Avenue Park to be updated with its new playground equipment next week.
I would label the blackouts across Monmouth and parts of Ocean counties last night as a scary close call.
Today is national "Day Without a Gay."
A mass stranding of the remaining nine dolphins in the Shrewsbury River could result in several being euthanized, officials said Tuesday.
Special Olympics athletes, coaches, teachers and other volunteers gathered for its fifth annual celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6.
As someone who drives through and around Matawan on almost a daily basis, I am glad to see that the Borough Council went through with its road program for 2008.
Anthony Appolonia, of Aberdeen, was sentenced to five years in prison yesterday for the beating and drowning of 19 cats and kittens. That is the harshest term doled out for animal abuse in Monmouth County, according to officials.
Ready, set, football!
If your looking for some more photographs of the Middletown North-South varsity football game on Thanksgiving check out Courier Photographer Timothy Kovach's blog.
There should be a new face on the Aberdeen Township Council by the end of the year, even though there was not an election to put anyone there.
Thanksgiving evening for residents on Clinton Street, Matawan, was interrupted by three gunshots, police said.
Matawan had its second to last meeting under Democratic control tonight.
I'm hearing reports that there was another shooting on Clinton Street in Matawan, near the park.
I just realized that I did not report the winner of the North-South football game yesterday. My apologies.
The Middletown North versus Middletown South football game today had one of the largest turnouts, according to regulars.
Highlands residents should be able to enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving Day, but might as well go shopping the days following.
So, Courier readers have probably noticed out NFL section, well those of you who buy the paper and don't just read us online.
Nearly a dozen Middletown Police officers were assisted by a helicopter in the search for a wanted person.
Matawan Administrator Fred Carr stepped down from his post as of today, according to his resignation letter.
Me too! So free up that calendar for the Highlands Business Partnership meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. Since they are not returning phone calls, it seems this is the only way to get an answer on this one.
You know how people get annoyed when stores start advertising for Christmas just after we packed up Halloween decorations? Well that is how I feel about the "silly season."
So, after months of anticipation, the Highlands Borough Council introduced its budget last week.
The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad working with the Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management will be running a test of its emergency plan for the SeaStreak ferry service at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Not. 16.
At least eight people got up to either question or comment about the Highlands Council authorizing the Highlands Business Partnership to apply for a $500,000 loan last night.
The Atlantic Highlands Council adopted the ordinance to amend the borough's code regarding animal control last night.
PS: Highlands is introducing its budget tonight.
Well that is essentially what the Highlands Council is considering at tonight's meeting.
Thank you to all of the veterans who have stood up for our country.
Atlantic Highlands councilmen Jack Archibald and Peter Doyle were re-elected for two, three-year terms during the election on Nov. 4.
Hazlet Mayor James DiNardo, a Democrat, was re-elected to the Township Committee during the Nov. 4 election.
Matawan Borough will be back in Republican hands as of January 2009.
After a year of down-the-aisle votes in the GOP’s favor, the Highlands Democrats took control of the Borough Council during the Nov. 4 election, according to unofficial county results.
After some recovery from last night/this morning's election coverage I am running around to get the breakdowns of the races.
The polls began to close in the country at 6 p.m., so some presidential results are rolling in soon.
Highlands resident and poll worker Roberta McAntee said she had never seen so many people come out so early for an election. She has been working the polls for 43 years.
According to elections workers and borough officials, District 1 in Atlantic Highlands had 50 percent of its voters come out by 1 p.m. today.
Many polling places were ready to see some new voters today, but they were in for a bit of a surprised.
Hazlet voting districts 5, 7, 17 and 11 are reporting a steady crowd so far today. More than 720 voters have come out, which estimated to about 35 percent before 11 a.m.
Poll workers at Matawan's District 1 polling place kicked the day off with a line outside of the Washington Engine fire house at 5:30 a.m.
The big day is just hours away, and we are prepped here at Courier.
